Chapter 6

I put the nightie on and went to the toilet, washed my hands and got into bed. I laid there for a while, thinking about the day. I had spent almost the whole day following orders. When to smile, when to look bored, when to look haughty. There was quite a number of times I was asked that last one.

With my height, plus heels, I was easily the tallest in the group. The four guys would be taller if I stood without heels, and I felt that they were setting me up to emulate the aura that Zoe had cultivated. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. I had seen Sally take the orders with outright glee at being there. It was no wonder she was tired.

What really worried me was that I had spent my whole life being different, weirdly different. Now, I was moving towards a different style of different, one where the difference was to make people look at me with envy, the way I had sometimes looked at others. It was totally the other side of the coin, and it was a side that I had no experience with until today.

I was wondering about tomorrow and slipped into sleep, to dream that I was in a carriage, being taken past waving crowds and the love was almost like a solid thing. Then I was standing on a headland, looking over a raging sea that was crashing against the cliffs. Of course, I woke up needing a pee.

When I went back to bed, it seemed like only minutes before the phone rang with my wake-up call. It must have been longer than minutes, because as soon as I got out of bed, I needed another pee.

When Sally knocked on the door, I was showered, dressed and had done my best with the make-up. She attached the wig and secured it.

“I hope that they have another one we can use, as this one will need washing soon. We can sort that out when we’re in the security of the apartment.”

“There’s a lot we’ll be able to do then. We’ll each have a weeks’ worth of knickers to wash.”

“You’re absolutely amazing, Harry. A girl for three days and you’re thinking like one. Come on, we need to hustle.”

I put the tray in the corridor and collected my coat and bag. Jerry was a bit more talkative on the way in. Maybe the fact that we had conversed about a lot of things over dinner the night before had convinced him that we weren’t snooty bitches.

The shoot today was different. We were all dressed for a party and us girls made up with strong colours. We were all in the Great Hall, with a boom box pumping out dance tunes. The three cameramen took sections of us, asking for movement and expressions, and we did our best to look like rich young things having fun. We did that with three changes of outfit, and then it was lunch.

The afternoon had me in a new wig. It was the same colour as the other but was upswept and festooned with pearls. They matched the pearl jewellery and the fabulous silver gown I was poured into. The guys were all in tuxedos. We were back in the Great Hall and had to stand as if we were dancing, with the guys holding us while we tried to balance as a crew member attached a clip on a thin wire to the hem, so making it look as if we were moving. There was only one change of dress during the afternoon, seeing how long it took to set up every shot, but that would end up with ten dresses being shown.

When we were back in the clothes and hair that we had arrived in, Mavis got us all together and opened a few bottles of wine. She proposed a toast.

“To the successful completion of the shoot. Well done all of you!”

There was a big screen, and she showed us a sample of the pictures. Those cameramen were brilliant, capturing a moment in time that looked as if it was real life and making it look inviting. I was amazed that it looked as if we all were at home in the big house. Carol sat with Sally and I and told us that all the pictures would undergo some work before they would be seen in public.

“The ones from today will have background added, Streamers and balloons for the morning, and glances of a string quartet for the afternoon. When you see the final result, you’ll be wracking you brain to remember when you were at that wonderful place.”

“It’s all about creating an appearance then.”

“Exactly. I don’t think that I’m talking out of turn when I say that the two of you were magnificent for your first shoot. I’ve spoken to the three crews, and they all say that it’s a pleasure working with you. They weren’t sure what to expect and were a bit worried that we’d need to repeat the shoot next week.”

“Any idea of what’s happening next week?”

“Monday is all about getting you settled into the apartment. It’s a good one, two bedrooms with separate lounge and kitchen. There’s a small laundry but it’s also serviced by a cleaning service, so it’ll be looked after while you’re away. After that, I think that Mavis will want your input into the campaign launch. Store visits with the press in tow, visits to our suppliers to assure them that they’re doing a wonderful job, interviews for the magazines that will carry our adverts.”

“We’ll be earning our keep, then.”

“You bet. There’ll be quiet days and there’ll be busy days. I can’t guarantee that you’ll get regular days off, and you may be on deck for a couple of weeks at a time, with enough time off to recover. The life of a top model and the face of the campaign is hard work, but well worthwhile. Was there any one outfit from the shoot that you felt at home in?”

I thought back.

“That light blue skirt suit yesterday was something that felt right. It was easy to wear.”

“What about you, Sally.”

“Actually, I was thinking that the red one from the same session was lovely. Harry is right, they were easy to wear and could be seen at most occasions.”

“Right, they’ll be in their garment bags and in the car when Jerry takes you to the hotel. I’m proud of you. Many models would choose something very expensive in order to sell it later.”

“That’s not who we are, Carol. I think that we’ll wear those outfits when we visit the Village and see our friends there. They don’t scream ‘look at me’ but they’re obviously something that you don’t normally see in Braintree.”

Before Jerry came to pick us up, we were approached by all of the other models. Veronica said what they all thought.

“When Mavis said she was getting someone special, we all thought that it would a famous model who would treat us like dirt and upstage us at every chance. You two have been wonderful to work with and we’ll be happy to see you again.”

Marcus had a different slant.

“I have to thank the two of you for the way you allowed us to be your support without trying to block us from the lens. We’ve worked with a lot of models who hate homosexuals, and the way that you allowed us to touch and hold you made these two days special. I may be gay, but I do appreciate a lovely woman.”

On the way back to the hotel, Jerry told us to be ready for nine, so that we can get the train at ten, which would get us into Braintree at eleven. He suggested that we get a train coming back which would get us to Liverpool Street about eleven on Monday. That, he said would give us time to be shown the apartment and get ourselves lunch at one of the nearby cafés. We would have all afternoon to settle in, and then would join Mavis and the campaign team for a meeting at ten on Tuesday.

Back in my room, we spoke about what we would be doing on the weekend. It was obvious that we would be staying at our own homes and would both take a taxi to the main station on Monday morning. We agreed that Mum could drop Sally at home and meet her parents, and then we would meet at Wildwood for a late breakfast on Sunday, before presenting the new us to the Village.

That sorted out, we packed the agency bags with what we were taking. They had thoughtfully put some plastic bags in, which were packed with our laundry and put in the cases. We each had an H&M outfit for each trip, with our new coat, nightwear, underwear, and fluffy slippers for the evenings. The two garment bags had the skirt suits and shoes for Sunday. Sally suggested that we took our bigger handbags with shoulder straps that we could put over our heads and carry under one arm.

We went down for dinner and then retired to my room for a few hours in bed, with me keeping the wig on until we were sated. That was the first time I told Sally that I loved her, and she told me that she loved me as well, both of me.

On Saturday morning, we had a later wake-up call, and I was ready when Sally knocked on the door. She checked me out and told me that I was learning quickly. Not so amazing, considering how many times I had been worked on over the last three days. With repetition, comes recognition.

We went down to breakfast and arranged for someone to collect our bags. We were getting ready to leave when a couple of lads turned up with a trolley. All six bigger bags and the cosmetic cases were loaded on, all locked and checked, and went down with us in the lift, both lads blushing as we smiled at them. We were dressed for travel, with a garment bag in one hand and the agency bag in the other. We signed the accounts for the rooms and the trolley was wheeled out to where Jerry was waiting. The cases went in the back, with our travel bags on the back seat between us, and he took us to Liverpool Street. On the way he was chatty.

“When I picked up the car this morning, Carol told me that the management are very happy with the shoot and are looking forward to the launch next week. I know that it won’t be very much time to Christmas, but they’re aiming for the buyers to be preparing for the next years’ season. Any sales prior to Christmas will be a bonus. There’s already a Christmas gift campaign running.”

At Liverpool Street, he dropped us off and we both gave him a hug before he got back in the car and left us. We found the right platform and gave our return tickets, after buying a single ticket each for Monday. Neither of us were certain when we would be back in Braintree again.

The trip home was surreal for me. Here I was, in a skirt and blouse, looking like a girl. It was a far cry from my appearance on the way to London last Tuesday. It made me wonder if I had packed my woolly hat somewhere. If it was cool on Sunday, I could always wear the bobble hat with ear flaps that I had been given.

We talked about the last few days, and how everything had happened in a rush. The week had thrown both our lives on its head. We had futures in our careers as well as in our private lives. Sally told me that I should be able to do my own make-up on Sunday morning, but to get my mother to remove and replace the wig. I asked her about something that was secured and could be washed, so she told me that I could get one that would be glued to my head.

When the train arrived at the main station, we got our things and got off, going out through the gate to find my mother standing next to our car. I had wondered about this moment, but she broke into a smile and rushed over to hug me.

“Welcome home, Harry. My, you haven’t changed a bit!”

She gave Sally a hug and a ‘so pleased to meet you’ and we put our things in the back. There was a line of taxis, so I went over to the first one in line.

“Excuse me. Can I book you to pick me up and bring me here on Monday, in time for the train at ten?”

“Certainly, Miss. What address?”

I told him the address and he wrote it down. Sally had noticed and was organising the second taxi in the same manner. We got in the car, both in the back seat. I saw Mum look at us in the mirror as she left the station. Sally gave her the directions and we went to her home. Mum pulled into the short road and stopped. Sallys’ parents came out while we were getting her agency bag and garment bag out. Sally did the introductions. They both gave us hugs without a trace of restraint. Like Mum, they had seen the photos that Sally had sent. We were invited in for a cup of tea and were there for half an hour. Sally and I had a long hug before I got into the front, next to Mum.

“I’ve booked us in at Fowlers’ Farm, Harry, seeing that you’re taking me to lunch. We can talk about your week with a glass of white wine, which, if I’m not mistaken, will be your drink of choice.”

“How did you guess, Mum? It seems that that’s the only thing that girls drink. On Tuesday, when Yvonne took us to lunch, it was delivered to the table without asking.”

“It comes with the territory, love. When you want something outrageous, you order a daiquiri. A couple of those could have you slurring your words if you don’t have anything in your stomach first. Now, tell me about you and Sally. I expect that you’ve shared a bed.”

“I admit it, Mother dear. I am no longer a virgin. Does that make me a black sheep, or just a very happy person?”

“Person? Not boy? Where are you now?”

“I’m a boy who looks good as a girl. So, I have to act like a girl. I’m a girl who looks like a famous model and have just spent two days working hard in a fashion shoot. So, not only do I have to act like a girl, but I also have to act like a model. Next week we’ll be setting up the campaign launch and I’ll wait to see if I’m presented as the next Zoe Hamilton or as a hairless boy who can look like anyone you like, given enough cosmetics.”

“I can see how you’re conflicted. You do look remarkably pretty.”

“As was said yesterday, it’s all in the appearance. I will need your help tonight to remove the wig. I don’t know how many pins there are, but it would probably stay on if I was on a trampoline. I’ll also need it reattached Sunday and Monday. It’s the only part of this that I need help with.”

“You’re good with make-up?”

“This face is the one that I applied myself this morning. I’ve been made-up, retouched, enhanced and cleansed so many times in the last four days, you just can’t help picking up the logic of the process. It’s the same with dressing myself. On Wednesday, I think I tried on about fifty different outfits.”

“What about at the shoot?”

“We had a dresser for that. She knows about me, as well as the agency and Mavis, the campaign leader at the store.”

“Are you staying in that hotel when you go back?”

“No. We checked out this morning and our driver has taken our cases to an apartment in Knightsbridge where we’ll be staying.”

“Cases?”

“I was given enough of everything to fill three Samsonite rollers, and have a cosmetic case stuffed with top-line lotions and potions. I’ll leave you some of what’s in my bag. It’s good gear, but not as good as I’m supposed to use from now on. The garment bag has an outfit that I wore in the shoot, which was given to me. Sally has one similar.”

“So, this isn’t just a holiday, then.”

“I’m sorry, Mum, but I don’t know when I’m coming back next. About the only thing I’ll be taking will be my laptop. I’ll be dressing like this for six months, and I’m not sure whether that will continue afterwards. The agency doctor told me that he has a long list of specialists that he can call on should I want to make this more permanent.”

“That would be drastic, as well as expensive.”

“I know. Anyway, how’s Uncle Bill?”

“Don’t go there, Harry. I was contacted by the authorities on Thursday, wanting to know about his three companies, seeing that I’m listed as a director of all three. It took me a while to convince them that it was the first I had heard of it. It appears that his books have payments to me every three months as directors fees. I have to get my bank statements and see them next week. That brother of mine is going straight to jail without collecting the hundred pounds.”

“When we get home, I’ll go online with my bank and transfer ten thousand to you. It’s half my signing bonus and will help you out.”

“You don’t have to do that, Harry.”

“I want to, Mum. It’s the least I can do for you. If nothing else, it will allow you to get a good dress for your next hot date.”

We got to Fowlers Farm, and she parked. It felt odd to be swivelling to get out the car and make sure my bag was hooked on my shoulder. She led us in and was greeted.

“How can I help you, ladies?”

“I have a booking for Sharpe.”

“This way, ladies, your table is over here near the window. Can I bring you any drinks?”

“Two dry whites, please.”

We had a lovely lunch. It would have been years since we’d sat like this. Today, we talked as two adults discussing things. I told her about my week in detail, with all the detail that I thought she should know. I told her about my feelings with having hair to care about, and the fact that I can waggle my eyebrows, despite the glue.

I spoke about my love for Sally, based on my complete trust in her, and that she was a model as well, on the same money as me. I told her about all the people we had met, and about our day in the store being given things. She didn’t fully understand until we got home, and I took the skirt suit out of the garment bag to hang up.

“That must be worth a couple of thousand pounds, love!”

“This, Mum, was the cheapest outfit I wore on the shoot by a long way. Sally has a red one. We plan to wear them on Sunday to go and see our friends in the Village.”

“Can I come?”

“Of course you can. It will be an interesting visit. I wonder if any recognise me, other than Janice and her staff, that is.”

During the afternoon, I spent most of it in my room, tidying up and putting things away, making room for me to hang my new things. I put all my crap into boxes and took it down to store in the garage. Before I closed the doors, I sprayed both bikes with oil, to keep them rust-free for an extended time. It would be a while before I would be riding again. I hoped that I could get a swimsuit and swim while we’re in London. Sally would be in that.

Later on, I helped my mother dress, as we were having a visitor. I loaned her some of the better cosmetics and then she told me to get ready. The visitor was bringing his teenage son, and we were going to the Caesars and Dolphin for dinner, for me to meet my possible stepfather and brother. Talk about the week being throwing new balls in the air. I went back to my room and thought a bit.

I hadn’t brought anything good, except the suit, and I didn’t have time for a shower, so I stripped off the blouse and skirt, putting on the outfit that I had planned for Sunday. This was one time that a girl would wear the same outfit for two days. I stood in the bathroom and did as well as I could with a Saturday night face.

When the knock came, we were both looking good, and Mum had a wicked grin on her face. She opened the door, and the guy gave her a good kiss. He wasn’t anyone that I had met before, but the son was a lad who had been a year behind me in school. He had been one of the ones who delighted in calling me a freak.

I smiled as bright as I could, the father smiled as well.

“Maureen, why don’t you introduce us to your charming daughter.”

“John, Bernard, this is Harriette. She’s home for the weekend after a fashion shoot in London. Harriette, this is John Taylor and his son, Bernard. We’re ready to go, John. We’ll get our bags and join you in your car.”

In the house I whispered.

“That bastard Bernard used to call me a freak!”

“That was then, this is now. If you can fool him, you’ll be doing well. I don’t really mind if John and I don’t go any further but do your very best to be my beautiful daughter.”

We got our coats and bags and went out to the car. John had the front door open for Mum, and Bernard had the back door open for me. We got in and they got in beside us. John drove us to the main road east, stopping at the restaurant. I put my big bag next to me on the seat, making sure that Bernard had to keep his hands to his side of the car.

The meal was good and the conversation interesting. John was well off and a director in the injection business. He was a nice guy. His son, however, thought that his shit didn’t smell, and showed himself up several times. I hardly had to say a thing, as they were both working overtime to impress us.

When we were dropped off at home, Mum thanked John for a nice evening and gave him a kiss on the cheek. I tried out my haughty look and ignored the son, who didn’t have enough nerve to even shake my hand. Inside, we waited until we heard the car going away, and collapsed into giggles. When Mum caught her breath, she smiled.

“That went well.”

“I think it was a nice meal, John’s a nice guy and I wouldn’t be upset with him as a stepfather. If Bully Bernie is part of the package, I don’t expect to be staying with you in your new home.”

“That was the first time I had met the little shit. You spent four years in high school with him! How on earth did you stand it?”

“I ignored him as much as I could, and he wasn’t the only one to call me a freak.”

“That suit looks beautiful. It made you look so good; a woman asked me if you were a model when I was in the toilets. I told her that you had finished a photo shoot yesterday and to watch for adverts in Vogue or Tatler.”

“I’d leave it for you, but I doubt if the top will fit. I’ve got stick-on boobs, but they’re only a small B cup. Why don’t you try the skirt, though.”

We went upstairs and removed our outer clothes. Mum tried the skirt and it fitted nicely. She said that it was a pleasure to try on. I gave her the ivory H&M skirt, which also fitted her.

“There you go, Mum. Keep that one and I’ll see what else I can get for you. Now, let me get cleansed and in my nightie. Then I’ll transfer that money while you work on the wig for me.”

In my nightie and my old dressing gown, I carried the laptop downstairs and sat at the kitchen table to log into my bank account. With my payment from my Uncle, I still had over twenty thousand, so transferred ten to Mums account. She had removed the wig and the head covering, so kissed the top of my head in the way she used to when I was smaller.

I kissed her cheek and hugged her.

“Goodnight, Mum. I love you.”

“Goodnight, Harry. I love you too. You’ve made me so proud of you with the way you’ve accepted all of this. You do make a magnificent woman, the daughter I never thought I’d have.”

Marianne Gregory © 2026